Between East and West. Byzantine Microtonality in the Practice of Greek Byzantine Singing

Lecture by Dr. Marcin Abijski

Where is the line between the musical heritage of the Orient and the musical culture of Europe? The answer to this question is provided by Greek Byzantine singing — a living art that constantly lavishes between Eastern roots and Western historical, theoretical and practical contexts.

Dr. Marcin Abijski's lecture combines theoretical reflection with rich executive practice in a unique way. An analysis of the phenomenon of Byzantine microtonality — interval systems that evade the rigid framework of Western temperamental dress — shows how specific modality and intonation nuances give this music extraordinary expressiveness and spiritual depth.

The realities of liturgical singing from the inside will be presented, with special emphasis on the meeting of theory with living sound and the way in which this ancient tradition builds an authentic bridge between the different musical sensibilities of the two worlds.